july 2010

haiti - a six month update after the earthquake

XXXXXXA few days ago (July 12) was the six month mark since an earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale, shook Haiti, killing app. 280,000 people, leveling 190,000 homes, and making 1.5 million people instantaneously homeless.  In the wake of this catastrophe - for a few weeks - Haiti’s tragedy dominated the airwaves, and the world community mobilized and reached out with compassion to the beleaguered island.  Five billion US dollars was committed to immediate relief aid, and long-term plans were made to the rebuilding of Port-au-Prince, the capital city, in which the majority of the population lives.

XXXXXXHaving worked closely in partnership with people on the ground in their relief efforts in the aftermath of the war in Kosova (1999) and the Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004), I was not surprised to watch Haiti follow in the same path as the two — after a few months, “donor fatigue” set in.  The global community’s compassion dissipated as the media turned their attention elsewhere and Haiti vanished from the headlines, but — although the plight of the Haitians faded from the news — their struggles did not.

XXXXXXIn the next few days, Haiti is back in the news for a short time, again. Journalists and other officials have returned to  make an evaluation of the improvements that should have taken place since the earthquake. The news are not encouraging. One newscaster concluded that the situation for Haiti at large, is worse now, than it was then.  Only 2-5% of the pledged funds have been actually contributed; many of the relief organizations are hanging on to their funds for long term use. There is absence of leadership, disorganization, land disputes, customs delays... and corruption. In addition, the masses of uncollected rubble, makes many major streets almost impassable, causing much of the relief aid to remain stuck in warehouses, thus, not benefitting the people.  Although there are also many foreign individuals and agencies who are doing effective mercy ministry in Haiti, the population is still in desperate need of help!

The sign in front of Enmanuel Damus' orphanage

xxxIn Haiti, the door opened for us to partner with Enmanuel Damus via our friend, Cuban-born Jorge Urra, through whom we have partnered with resources into Cuba and other Hispanic-speaking countries for over fifteen years (in picture, Jorge is to the left and Enmanuel in the center).

XX    Jorge has an apostolic ministry. He sees and recognizes God’s gift and calling in others, then help them grow in faith and leadership, while networking with others to provide necessary resources for them to do God’s work.  Jorge has proven to be a man of faith and utmost integrity.  A part of his heart is to minister to orphans, so we have helped finance some of his outreach projects in orphanages in several countries through his Bridges for Mercy ministry.

       Three years ago, while ministering in an orphanage in the Dominican Republic, Jorge connected with Enmanuel, a Haitian pastor who directs an orphanage in Port-au-Prince, located on the hilltop behind the President’s Palace. Jorge visited Enmanuel, and a good relationship grew between the two.  Enmanuel is well connected among other local pastors in the city, many of whom run their own orphanages.  At times, he gathers some of them for weekend seminars with Jorge as the main speaker—a great blessing for them all!

  X   We are very happy to funnel the donated Bridge funds through this vehicle to the Haitian people, as we are assured that every penny is accounted for, and that the money is spent wisely with maximum leverage, and given to those in need!  Take a look below at what the initial US$3,800.00 provided! 

XXXXXXWe will continue to keep the account 8162 Relief Aid — Haiti open for further contributions, and invite you to donate toward the Haitian people on a regular basis!  The funds are sent out in full, without any deductions of overhead or administrative expenses.  You can give by sending a check to The Bridge International by postal mail: